An Ivybridge fire crew was called to joined others from Buckfastleigh, Torquay and Ashburton to reports of a grass fire by the A38.

It happened on Monday, August 17 at approximately 2.30pm.

The fire had spread into the central reservation, producing large plumes of smoke which drifted across both carriageways and caused extremely poor visibility for motorists.

On arrival, the Officer in Charge committed crews from both sides of the A38, with one appliance tackling the fire from the Plymouth-bound carriageway and another from the Exeter-bound carriageway.

Crews used hose reel jets and beaters to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.

They were also grateful for the assistance of a local farmer, who used his own bowser containing water and slurry to help dampen down the affected area.

Their appliances were replenished with water by the bowser from Torquay, allowing crews to continue firefighting operations and get the road reopened as quickly and safely as possible.

A spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire Service said: “A big thank you to all the motorists caught up in the traffic for your patience and understanding.

“We would also like to thank the Police and Highways Agency for their assistance.

“Their support with traffic management and scene safety allows incidents like this to be dealt with as safely as possible for both our firefighters and members of the public.”

With vegetation currently extremely dry, fires can spread very quickly — please take extra care when out and about.

Don’t have BBQs or campfires in the countryside, or on any grassland during very dry weather.

If you’re a smoker, please take extreme care with how you put out your cigarettes and dispose of them.

Don’t leave litter, and pick it up if you see it. Don’t leave it to someone else.

Discarded litter, in particular glass bottles, pose a fire risk when the sun’s rays are magnified through it.

Avoid having bonfires during dry spells.